Towing with a Murano, how well does it work??

[sledandski]

Looking at buy a 2005-2007 Murano, I have test driven them and love it. the vehicle will suit all of my needs, except one. I water ski a lot (2-3 times during the work week) and up to now I have towed my boat to the ramp, skied and then gone home. Boat and trailer weigh about 3100-3200 lbs with fuel, figure another 100-200 lbs of gear. I know that the tow rating is 3500lbs, but I am going to be right at the edge of that limit. Going to the lake also means a stretch of highway, and about 15 stop lights, so not a fun ride. There may be times when I tow the boat 100 miles at a time too, but that is going to be rare. I am experienced in towing in all types of weather and rigs with my 4runner, but the murano is not a truck. Has anyone towed things of this size with their murano before?? how did it work?? how did the vehicle do??

[Timmbo]

Welcome to the Murano Forum! Glad to have you as a member of NICOclub!

I will tell you this, it tows way better than I think anyone can imagine! On top of it, it actually gets really good fuel economy while towing as well. I am speaking from personal experience.

[sledandski]

Timmbo, thanks for the info, just curious what were you towing and how often / how far?

[Timmbo]

The heaviest load I towed was about 40 rolls of wet sod in my trailer. I towed it about 40 miles. I was driving on a county highway going about 60mph. I was able to get over 22mpg that time!

A buddy of mine has an '05 that he tows his camper with, and loves it!

[texastom5]

I own a 2003 Murano and have pulled a 17-18' bass boat for a couple of years. Since this is my first boat I really don't have anything to compare. My hitch is a class 3. I find my Murano slow on the pickup and questionable on the braking. I give myself a lot of room when driving.

[Skiman]

Pulling the trailer should be fine, but you want at least good surge brakes on your trailer or stopping will be problematic. Ratings are conservative so they don't get sued when someone actually tows at or near the max rating.CR tested the Murano with 2500lb towing to 60MPH in just over 16sec, so the engine won't be straining.

Towing 3500lb is the reason I have a Murano instead of a G37 Coupe AWD!

[sledandski]

Thanks everyone for the input, I really appreciate it, it is looking like I will be able to do what I want with the Murano.

Skiman, I totally agree with you on brakes. My rule of thumb is that if it is over 2000lbs then it needs brakes. This boat trailer has surge brakes on it and they work fine. Im curious what you all tow?Thanks